Xavier University Personal Statement

I already had an interest in doing research when I matriculated to Xavier University. I enjoy the interdisciplinary aspect of chemistry and I am interested in how both physics and biology interact with chemistry. Research attracted me because it offered the opportunity to combine new skills and novel concepts to a problem that didn’t have a readily available solution. I liked the challenge of taking old ideas, collecting new evidence, and combining it all to make something new. I was fortunate to be able to start research in analytical chemistry with Dr. Kradtap during October of my sophomore year. That first year we developed a thin layer chromatography method to quickly and quantitatively determine the concentration of creatinine in urine

Jakli’s chemical physics lab at Kent State University. My project involved force spinning cholesteric liquid crystals into polymer fibers. The ultimate goal was to create fibers that could be used as temperature sensors in food preparation. I was able to continue this research the next summer through an International Research Experience for Students program in Luxembourg. This work allowed me to experience a new field of chemistry and to gain experience presenting my work. During these experiences, I also worked with graduate students and post-docs. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with a research group and collaborate with my lab mates. During these summer experiences, I also saw presentations from students doing their research in all areas of chemistry. I became interested in the work being done in organic

I did well in the course and began to talk with my peers doing organic research and focus on their seminar talks. I particularly enjoy looking at new mechanisms and catalysts and understanding how they work and how they can help develop new syntheses. In particular, I have enjoyed reagents and synthetic pathways that minimize their environmental footprint. For this reason, I am interested in Dr. Schomaker’s research, particularly its emphasis on catalyst development and the use of greenhouse gases in synthesis. I am also interested in Dr. Yoon’s and Dr. Burke’s work with photocatalysis and symmetry in synthesis respectively. With any of the above professors, I like both the overall synthetic focus as well as their specific approaches to solving synthetic